Bangladesh project 388-0054 · 1986–1989 · energy · Robert R. Nathan Associates, Inc.

A cost-benefit analysis of the social and economic impacts of rural electrification (RE) in Bangladesh is herein presented, based on secondary data from Bangladesh's Rural Electrification Board and from earlier electrification impact studies, supplemented by interviews with beneficiaries in nine rural electricity cooperatives. Following a discussion of different approaches to cost-benefit analysis (e.g., the willingness-to-pay vs. the cost savings approach), results are presented, showing that despite the difficulties inherent in institutionalizing an RE bureaucracy within a largely patrimonial society like Bangladesh, RE has been welcomed by young and old alike. It has had positive effects in saving energy and reducing energy costs, increasing production and employment opportunities and improving social (e.g., health, greater social awareness) and political (e.g., the distribution of power) conditions. The report concludes with recommendations for (1) the full-scale impact evaluation needed in analyzing a long-term, dynamic, and institution-building effort such as RE and (2) enhancing RE's social impact.

Source: DEC abstract, PN-AAW-572 (1986). The source's own text.